1. Mo: Mo’s with Johl
Mo: Mo’s are a new food to my diet which I thoroughly enjoyed (too much) while in Nepal. They are similar to dumplings but much, much better. Picture the dumpling skin wrapping up a delicious mixture of mouth water spicy sauteed vegetables, buffalo and/or chicken. Affordable and convenient, Mo: Mo’s are my choice every time. However, without a good sauce it can ruin you entire Mo: Mo experience. The reason I listed Mo: Mo’s with Johl is because johl is a delicious spicy tomato soup in which the Mo: Mo’s are served in if you order them with johl of course. A must try when visiting Nepal!
2. Daal Bhat Tarkari
This is similar to the Indian Thali dish that I mentioned in a previous blog post, but a Nepalese style. Though you can get many different types of Daal Bhat in Nepal, usually the easiest way to order it is by saying ‘veg’ or ‘non veg’. Most dishes will contain rice, water, dough, lentils, chutney and lots of vegetables!
Photo By: Kirsten
3. Thukpa
A soup that originates from Tibet is a fairly popular dish around Nepal as well. It is a noodle soup that can be ‘veg’ or ‘non veg’ / vegetarian or meat dish. This dish is typically made with buckwheat noodles, lean chicken and a hearty broth that ‘warms the soul.’
Photo By: Sharada Prasad
4. Rakshi Alcohol
Though I must say I wasn’t a huge fan of the rakshi alcohol, it is still something you must try while visiting Nepal. A traditional drink for religious ceremonies, this beverage is a popular choice among the Nepalese. While enjoying a real Nepali experience at Nepali Chulo (courtesy of Google Treks Nepal), I was offered before my meal a small clay shot of rakshi alcohol. It is a rice based liquor high in alcohol content and brewed locally. Though I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it, it was a neat experience while in Nepal.
ATTN: This is just tea, I don’t recommend drinking Rakshi on treks – Photo By: Andrew & Anne Marie
5. Mutton Curry
Of course I cannot vouch for this dish as my meat diet consists of chicken breasts and that is all. However, I watched many other travellers consume this dish with such joy and satisfaction on their faces that I had to list it as the number 5 must try dish in Nepal. Mutton is a type of lamb meat which is soaked in a delicious mildly spicy curry paste. Mutton can also be served with naan, roti and/or vegetables upon request.
Photo By: avlxyz
So you’ve found the food, but what about the hotel? My suggestion is to check out www.shaligramhotel.com situated in Patan, Nepal and only a short drive away from the busy centre of Thamel. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail me at giveforgranted@gmail.com or check out my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/giveforgranted
Don’t forget your packing list! The Travellers List for What to Pack
